If one harbours anywhere in one's mind a nationalistic loyalty or hatred, certain facts, although in a sense known to be true, are inadmissible.
George OrwellRead
The essential point here is that all people with small, insecure incomes are in the same boat and ought to be fighting on the same side. Probably we could do with a little less talk about' capitalist' and 'proletarian' and a little more about the robbers and the robbed.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote highlights the need for unity among people with low incomes against exploitation by the wealthy.
George Orwell emphasizes the importance of solidarity among individuals who experience economic insecurity. Rather than getting caught up in ideological divides such as 'capitalist' or 'proletarian', the focus should be on the fundamental conflict between those who exploit wealth and those who suffer from its absence. This perspective encourages people to recognize their shared struggles and challenges, urging them to unite against a common adversary.
Themes
UnityInsecurityClass StruggleExploitationSolidarity
In practice
Example use cases
In a community meeting discussing economic justice, one might use this quote to highlight the need for collective action among low-income individuals.
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As with the Christian religion, the worst advertisement for Socialism is its adherents.
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It is fatal to look hungry. It makes people want to kick you.
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